What Are the Rules for Carrying Electronic Devices on Airplanes?

Technological devices, which are an integral part of daily life, are also among the first items we pack when traveling. However, due to aviation safety standards, the rules for carrying electronic devices on airplanes vary depending on the type of device, its size, and battery capacity. To avoid any problems during your journey, it is important to know how items such as phones, laptops, and power banks should be transported.

Can Electronic Devices Be Carried on Airplanes?

Yes, personal and commercial electronic devices can generally be carried on airplanes. However, to ensure flight safety, international regulations determine where devices should be stored (cabin baggage or checked baggage) and the permitted capacities of lithium batteries.

Which Electronic Devices Can Be Carried on Airplanes?

Almost all personal electronic devices used in everyday life can be carried during air travel.

• Rules for Carrying Phones on Airplanes: Smartphones can be carried both in cabin baggage and in your personal bag. Once instructed by the cabin crew, they must be switched to airplane mode or turned off when the aircraft doors are closed.
• Rules for Carrying Laptops and Tablets on Airplanes: Laptops and tablets should preferably be carried in hand luggage to reduce the risk of damage or theft. At security checkpoints, these devices may need to be removed from the bag and placed separately in X-ray trays.
• Rules for Carrying Cameras and Photography Equipment on Airplanes: Cameras, video cameras, and drones, which contain delicate lenses and components, should preferably be carried in cabin baggage. Spare batteries for these devices must not be placed in checked baggage.

Should Electronic Devices Be Carried in Cabin or Checked Baggage?

All portable devices with built-in batteries (laptops, tablets, cameras, etc.) should preferably be carried in cabin baggage (hand luggage). Since it is more difficult to respond to a potential battery fire in the aircraft's cargo hold, lithium-battery-powered devices are preferably kept in the cabin. If you need to place a large electronic device in checked baggage, make sure it is completely switched off (not in sleep mode) and adequately protected against damage.

Rules for Carrying Power Banks and Lithium Batteries on Airplanes

External chargers, such as power banks, and spare lithium batteries are among the most strictly regulated electronic items.

• How Many mAh Can a Power Bank Have on an Airplane? According to aviation regulations (IATA standards), power banks with a capacity of up to 100 Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh) can generally be carried in cabin baggage without special approval. Devices between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval, while portable batteries exceeding 160 Wh are not permitted on aircraft.
• Rules for Spare Batteries and Rechargeable Batteries: All spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be carried in hand luggage; they cannot be placed in checked baggage. To prevent short circuits, batteries should be kept in their original packaging or have their terminals protected with tape.

When Can Electronic Devices Be Used on an Airplane?

Once you board the aircraft, devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops must be switched to Airplane Mode. During taxiing for takeoff and during landing, small devices may generally be held in your hands, while larger devices such as laptops must be stowed in the overhead compartment or under the seat. Once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude, devices with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can generally be used as long as cellular connectivity remains disabled.

What Should You Keep in Mind About Electronic Devices at Security Checkpoints?

• At airport security checkpoints, laptops, tablets, e-readers, and large cameras may need to be removed from your bag and placed in separate plastic trays.
• Easily accessible device cases can help speed up the screening process.
• It is important that your devices are not completely discharged; security personnel may ask you to switch on a device to verify that it works.

Do the Rules for Carrying Electronic Devices Differ on International Flights?

Although the basic IATA rules are generally applied worldwide, certain countries or airports may have additional security procedures. For example, restrictions on carrying laptops in cabin baggage have been introduced periodically for flights to the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, different plug types are used in different countries, so carrying a universal travel adapter can be useful.

What Should You Check Before Buying an Airline Ticket?

Before your trip, make sure to check the cabin baggage size and weight restrictions of your airline. Some airlines allow a laptop bag as an additional personal item alongside a cabin-size suitcase, while some low-cost airlines may count the laptop bag as part of your single cabin baggage allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carrying Electronic Devices on Airplanes

• Does a Laptop Bag Count as Hand Luggage? In many cases, airlines allow one cabin-size suitcase plus one laptop or personal-item bag free of charge. However, it is advisable to check the rules associated with your specific fare.
• Can You Put a Power Bank in Your Suitcase? No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries cannot be placed in checked baggage due to the risk of fire and overheating. They must be carried in cabin baggage.
• Can You Carry a Charger on an Airplane? Yes. Standard wired chargers and power adapters can generally be carried in both cabin and checked baggage.
• Can You Use Bluetooth Earphones on an Airplane? Yes. Once the aircraft has completed takeoff and reached cruising altitude, Bluetooth earphones can generally be used while your device is in airplane mode.
• Can You Carry an Electronic Cigarette on an Airplane? Electronic cigarettes and their liquids can generally be carried only in cabin baggage and cannot be placed in checked baggage. Using or charging electronic cigarettes on board the aircraft is strictly prohibited.